If acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) isn’t causing discomfort, treatment isn’t necessary. Antibiotics are prescribed to treat infections if they arise. For alleviating pain caused by large cysts, drainage using a needle inserted through the skin may be recommended. Regular kidney examinations may be advised if tumors are suspected, especially in individuals undergoing dialysis for an extended period, with some doctors suggesting kidney cancer screening after three years of dialysis. In rare instances, surgery might be necessary to address bleeding cysts or remove tumors. In transplantation, unless the kidneys are contributing to infection or high blood pressure, they are typically left in place. Furthermore, ACKD often resolves, including in the diseased kidneys, following kidney transplantation.
Complication of ACKD
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Patients with acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) may experience various complications, including:
– Infections: Infected cysts can lead to symptoms such as fever and back pain.
– Hematuria: Bleeding from cysts within the kidney can result in blood appearing in the urine.
– Kidney Tumors: ACKD patients have an increased risk of developing kidney tumors. However, the propensity for these tumors to metastasize to other parts of the body is typically lower compared to kidney cancers not associated with ACKD